First launched in October 2020, the second-gen Thar is available in both 4X4 and RWD guises.
Mahindra has achieved a new production milestone for its highly popular Thar SUV, as it rolled out the 1,00,000th unit from its manufacturing plant in Nashik, Maharashtra. The second-gen Thar has claimed this achievement after being on sale for close to three years since its initial launch.
- Thar 4X4 got a 4-star safety rating in 2020
- Thar 4X2 was launched in January 2023
- 5-door Thar to launch sometime this year
Mahindra Thar: a brief recap
The Thar was launched back in October 2020 and is the spiritual successor to the first-gen model that was launched in 2010. The SUV quickly became a fan favorite amongst off-roading enthusiasts, accumulating over 15,000 bookings within the first three weeks of its launch and 75,000 bookings within the first 12 months of its launch.
Just a month after its launch, the Thar 4X4 also secured a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating. However, this test was based on the old testing protocols before they were upgraded in July of last year. Since then, Mahindra launched the new 4X2 version of the Thar in January of this year which looks identical to the 4WD model, except for the lack of the 4×4 badge on the former.
Mahindra Thar: powertrains
The brand offers the Thar with three engine options. The first is the base 118hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine that’s solely mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and is offered in rear-wheel-drive guise. Then there are the 152hp, 300Nm, 2.0-litre petrol and the 130hp, 300Nm, 2.2-litre diesel engines.
These two units get the option of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, and while the diesel engine is only available in 4WD guise, the petrol is offered in both 4WD and RWD configurations. The Thar 4X4 also sports an electronic brake locking differential instead of a mechanical locking differential, which offers better grip in low-traction situations.
Mahindra Thar price and rivals
Currently, the 3-door Thar’s only direct rival is the Force Gurkha. However, Mahindra is also working on a 5-door version of the Thar which will rival the upcoming 5-door Maruti Jimny. Diesel variants of the Thar are currently priced between Rs 9.99 lakh-16.49 lakh, while the petrol versions are priced between Rs 13.49 lakh-15.82 lakh, (both prices ex-showroom, India).
Also see:
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